Multiple input power distribution shelf and bus bar assembly thereof

ABSTRACT

A multiple input power distribution shelf and a bus bar assembly thereof are provided. The power distribution shelf is installed in the server rack and comprises plural power supply units. The bus bar assembly comprises a first linking bus bar, a second linking bus bar, an insulation member and plural power connectors. The first linking bus bar comprises a first main bar, plural first bending parts and at least one first output part. The second linking bus bar comprises a second main bar, plural second bending parts and at least one second output part. The insulation member is disposed between the first main bar and the second main bar for insulation. The power connectors are mounted on the bending parts and connect with the power supply units. The first output part and the second output part are electrically connected with a rack bus bar of the server rack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/861,495 filed on Jan. 3, 2018, and entitled “MULTIPLE INPUTPOWER DISTRIBUTION SHELF AND BUS BAR ASSEMBLY THEREOF”, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/553,188 filed on Sep. 1,2017, entitled “MULTIPLE INPUT POWER DISTRIBUTION SHELF”, and claimspriority to China Patent Application No. 201711228317.0 filed on Nov.29, 2017. The entire contents of the above-mentioned patent applicationsare incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a power distribution shelf, and moreparticularly to a multiple input power distribution shelf and a bus barassembly thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

With increasing development of information industries and networks, theservices provided through networks are becoming more and more popular invarious applications. Nowadays, data center has been widely applied tocloud computing and large-scale data and application services ininformation technology (IT) operations. In order to ensure the normaloperations of the server racks in the data center, it is important tosupply uninterrupted power to the IT equipment of the server racks inthe data center.

Generally, the server rack is connected to an AC power source, and theserver rack converts the AC input power to required DC output power forthe IT equipment via power supply units (PSUs). To ensure redundancy, aplurality of power supply units mounted in plural power shelves areemployed and installed in the server rack. In addition, a plurality ofbattery backup units (BBUs) are also employed to provide backup powerwhen the power supply units fail or when the AC power source isuninterrupted or failure. Typically, the battery backup units are placedin a battery chassis, which is installed in the same server rack.Consequently, the power shelves and the battery chassis take up somespace in the server rack. In addition, the power supply units and thebattery backup units are heavy components and need to be replaced formaintenances, repairs and/or upgrades. Therefore, it is difficult tomaintain and the maintain cost is expensive. Moreover, the electricaland mechanical connections among the power supply units in the powershelves, the battery backup units in the battery chassis, the rack busbar and the AC power source are complex and the power and signaltransmission paths are long, so that the transmission loss is increased.Consequently, the cost is high, and the power distribution efficiency islow.

Therefore, there is a need of providing a multiple input powerdistribution shelf and a bus bar assembly thereof to obviate thedrawbacks encountered from the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a multiple inputpower distribution shelf and a bus bar assembly thereof for allowing thehot-swappable power supply units and the hot-swappable battery backupunits to be installed in a single chassis and allowing the power supplyunits of the power distribution shelf to connect with two AC powersources and switch between the two AC power sources according to thestatus. Consequently, it is labor-saving, time-saving and cost-saving toinstall and maintain the power supply units and the battery backupunits, and the power distribution shelf can provide required DC outputpower to the server rack continuously.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a multiple inputpower distribution shelf and a bus bar assembly thereof with high powerdistribution efficiency and excellent heat-dissipation efficiency. Theelectrical and mechanical connecting structures among the power supplyunits, the battery backup units, the power shelf controller and themultiple AC power sources are simplified via a mid-plane circuit board.In addition, the bus bar assembly is employed in the power distributionshelf to connect the power output electrodes of the power supply unitswith the rack bus bar and transfer the DC output power from the powersupply units to the rack bus bar. Consequently, the purposes of furtherminiaturization of the power distribution shelf and improvement inenergy efficiency are achieved. Moreover, the cost is reduced and thereliability is enhanced.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a bus bar assembly. The bus bar assembly is capable of use witha power distribution shelf. The power distribution shelf is installed inthe server rack and comprises plural power supply units. The bus barassembly comprises a first linking bus bar, a second linking bus bar, aninsulation member and plural power connectors. The first linking bus barcomprises a first main bar, plural first bending parts and at least onefirst output part. The first bending part and the at least one firstoutput part are connected to two opposite sides of the first main barrespectively. The plural first bending parts are separated apart witheach other at a specific interval. The second linking bus bar iscorresponding to the first linking bus bar and comprises a second mainbar, plural second bending parts and at least one second output part.The second bending part and the at least one second output part areconnected to two opposite sides of the second main bar respectively. Theplural second bending parts are separated apart with each other at aspecific interval. The insulation member is disposed between the firstmain bar and the second main bar. The first main bar and the second mainbar are insulated with each other by the insulation member. The pluralpower connectors are mounted on the plural first bending parts and theplural second bending parts. The plural power connectors are configuredto electrically connect with the plural power supply units. The firstoutput part and the second output part are electrically connected with arack bus bar of the server rack.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a multiple input power distribution shelf. The multiple inputpower distribution shelf is installed in a server rack and selectivelyreceives an AC input power from plural AC power sources. The multipleinput power distribution shelf converts the AC input power into a DCoutput power and provides the DC output power to a rack bus bar of theserver rack. The multiple input power distribution shelf comprises achassis, plural AC input power connectors, plural power supply units,plural battery backup units, a mid-plane circuit board and a bus barassembly. The plural AC input power connectors are mounted in thechassis and configured to electrically connect with the plural AC powersources and receive the AC input power. The plural power supply unitsare detachably mounted in the chassis. The plural battery backup unitsare detachably mounted in the chassis and electrically connected withthe plural power supply units respectively. The mid-plane circuit boardis electrically connected with the plural AC input power connectors, theplural power supply units and the plural battery backup units. The busbar assembly is mounted in the chassis and configured to connect withthe plural power supply units and the rack bus bar of the server rack.The power outputted by the plural power supply units is transferred tothe rack bus bar through the bus bar assembly.

The above contents of the present disclosure will become more readilyapparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing thefollowing detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example of a server rackhaving a multiple input power distribution shelf according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a schematic view showing the multiple input powerdistribution shelf of FIG. 1A receiving AC input power from two AC powersources;

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view illustrating a rear portion of amultiple input power distribution shelf according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view illustrating a front portion ofthe multiple input power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is an explored view showing the multiple input power distributionshelf of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view illustrating a front portion ofthe chassis of the multiple input power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4B is an explored view showing a rear portion of the chassis ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the power supplyunit and the battery backup unit of the power distribution shelf of FIG.2A;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are schematic perspective views illustrating themid-plane circuit board of the power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A atvarious viewing angles;

FIG. 6D is a schematic view showing the mid-plane circuit board fastenedby the partition plate and the baffles of the chassis;

FIG. 7A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the bus barassembly of the power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 7B is an explored view showing the bus bar assembly of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of theclip-type power connector of the bus bar assembly of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is a schematic perspective view illustrating the clip-type powerconnector of FIG. 7C at another viewing angle;

FIG. 7E is a schematic view showing the bus bar assembly fastened withinthe chassis;

FIG. 7F is a schematic view showing the connections among the powersupply units, the bus bar assembly and the rack bus bar;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical and mechanicalconnections among the power supply unit, the battery backup unit, themid-plane circuit board and the bus bar assembly;

FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the relationshipsbetween the output parts of the bus bar assembly and the rear plate ofthe chassis;

FIG. 9B is a schematic view showing the location of the output partslocated at the rear plate of the chassis;

FIGS. 10A, 11A and 12A are schematic perspective views illustrating therelationships between the rear plate of the chassis and the output partsof various examples of the bus bar assembly;

FIGS. 10B, 11B and 12B are schematic views respectively showing thelocation of the output parts of FIGS. 10A, 11A and 12A located at therear plate of the chassis; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another example ofthe power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present disclosure will now be described more specifically withreference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that thefollowing descriptions of preferred embodiments of this disclosure arepresented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise formdisclosed.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example of a server rackhaving a multiple input power distribution shelf according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 1B is a schematic viewshowing the multiple input power distribution shelf of FIG. 1A receivingAC input power from two AC power sources, FIG. 2A is a schematicperspective view illustrating a rear portion of a multiple input powerdistribution shelf according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,and FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view illustrating a front portionof the multiple input power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A. As shown inFIGS. 1A, 2A and 2B, the multiple input power distribution shelf 2(hereinafter also referred to as power distribution shelf) is installedin the server rack 1 and can be drawn out from the server rack 1 formaintenances. The power distribution shelf 2 receives AC input powerfrom two AC power sources (AC1, AC2), converts the AC input power intoDC output power and provides the DC output power to the rack bus bar 11.Consequently, the power distribution shelf 2 can provide required anduninterrupted DC output power to the IT equipment in the server rack 1.In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, the power distribution shelf 2receives AC input power from two AC power sources (AC1, AC2) via two ACpower cables 12 respectively.

FIG. 3 is an explored view showing the multiple input power distributionshelf of FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 3, the power distribution shelf 2includes a chassis 3, a plurality of power supply units 4, a pluralityof battery backup units 5, a mid-plane circuit board 6, a bus barassembly 7, a plurality of AC input power connectors 8 and a power shelfcontroller 9. The power supply units 4, the battery backup units 5, themid-plane circuit board 6, the bus bar assembly 7, the AC input powerconnectors 8 and the power shelf controller 9 are installed and mountedin the chassis 3. The power supply units 4 are electrically connectedwith the AC input power connectors 8 via the mid-plane circuit board 6and plural power cables (not shown), the power supply units 4 areelectrically connected with the battery backup units 5 via the mid-planecircuit board 6. The power supply units 4 are electrically connectedwith the rack bus bar 11 (see FIG. 1A) via the bus bar assembly 7. Thepower shelf controller 9 is electrically connected with the power supplyunits 4 and the battery backup units 5 via the mid-plane circuit board6.

FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view illustrating a front portion ofthe chassis of the multiple input power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A,and FIG. 4B is an explored view showing a rear portion of the chassis ofFIG. 4A. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, the chassis 3 includes anaccommodation space 30 having a first compartment 31 and a secondcompartment 32. The first compartment 31 and the second compartment 32are separated by a plate 33. The first compartment 31 has a plurality offirst slots 311, and the second compartment 32 has a plurality of secondslots 321. The first slots 311 and the second slot 321 are defined by aplurality of baffles 34 within the first compartment 31 and the secondcompartment 32. The chassis 3 further includes a partition plate 35, afirst bracket 36 and a second bracket 37. The partition plate 35 isdisposed in the accommodation space 30 and located at the rear portionof the chassis 3 and covers the rear openings of the second slots 321and portions of the rear openings of the first slots 311. The partitionplate 35 has a plurality of first through holes 351 corresponding to thefirst slots 311 and a plurality of second through holes 352corresponding to the second slots 321. Preferably but not exclusively,the first bracket 36 is a transverse strip disposed in the accommodationspace 30 and connected to two opposite sidewalls of the chassis 3. Thefirst bracket 36 is configured to support the bus bar assembly 7. In anembodiment, the chassis 3 further includes at least one supportingpillar 361, such as the two supporting pillars 361 shown in FIG. 4B. Oneterminal of the supporting pillar 361 is connected to the first bracket36, and the other terminal of the supporting pillar 361 is connected tothe inner surface of the bottom plate of the chassis 3. The supportingpillar 361 is configured to support the first bracket 36 so that thefirst bracket 36 supports the bus bar assembly 7 more stably. The secondbracket 37 is a U-shaped frame disposed in the accommodation space 30,and mounted on the inner surface of the bottom plate of the chassis 3.The second bracket 37 forms a receiving space 371 for accommodating thepower shelf controller 9 therein and has a top surface 372 forsupporting the first bracket 36. The chassis 3 has a top cover 38, andthe top cover 38 is detachably covering the rear portion of the chassis3.

The power supply units 4 are hot-swappable and detachably installed intothe first slots 311 of the first compartment 31 respectively, and thebattery backup units 5 are hot-swappable and detachably installed intothe second slots 321 of the second compartment 32 respectively.Preferably but not exclusively, the first compartment 31 has six firstslots 311, and the second compartment 32 has six second slot 321. Thefirst slots 311 are corresponding to and aligned with the second slots321 respectively. Namely, the six power supply units 4 are installedinto the six first slots 311 respectively, and the six battery backupunits 5 are installed into the six second slots 321 respectively. Inthis embodiment, the partition plate 35 further includes a plurality offirst protrusions 353 and a plurality of second protrusions 354, andeach of the baffles 34 has a hook 341 formed at an edge thereof andextending outwardly from the edge. The chassis 3 further includes a rearplate 39 connected with the rear portion of the chassis 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the power supplyunit and the battery backup unit of the power distribution shelf of FIG.2A. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the power supply units 4 has a firstconnection interface 41, a first power output electrode 42 and a secondpower output electrode 43. The first connection interface 41 is locatedunder the first power output electrode 42 and the second power outputelectrode 43. Preferably but not exclusively, the first power outputelectrode 42 and the second power output electrode 43 are copper sheets.Each of the battery backup units 5 has a second connection interface 51.Preferably but not exclusively, the second connection interface 51 isfloating and mounted on the rear of the battery backup unit 5. In anembodiment, the outer edge of partial housing of the power supply unit 4is aligned with the outer edges of the first power output electrode 42and the second power output electrode 43. Therefore, the first poweroutput electrode 42 and the second power output electrode 43 areprotected from bending and break during inserting or pulling out thepower supply unit 4.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are schematic perspective views illustrating themid-plane circuit board of the power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A atvarious viewing angles, and FIG. 6D is a schematic view showing themid-plane circuit board fastened by the partition plate and the bafflesof the chassis. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, the mid-plane circuitboard 6 includes a first surface 61, a second surface 62, a plurality offirst connectors 63, a plurality of second connectors 64, a plurality ofthird connectors 65, and a fourth connector 66. The first connectors 63are mounted on the first surface 61, arranged in a first line andaligned and mating with the first connection interfaces 41 (see FIG. 5)of the power supply units 4 respectively and correspondingly. The secondconnectors 64 are mounted on the first surface 61, arranged in a secondline and aligned and mating with the second connection interfaces 51(see FIG. 5) of the battery backup units 5 respectively andcorrespondingly. The third connectors 65 are mounted on the secondsurface 62 and arranged in a third line. Each of the third connector 65is electrically connected with two of the AC input power connectors 8via plural power cables 81 (see FIG. 7E). The fourth connector 66 ismounted on the second surface 62 and configured to electrically connectwith a third connection interface 91 (see FIG. 3) of the power shelfcontroller 9. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6D, the mid-plane circuitboard 6 includes a plurality of first fixing holes 67, a plurality ofsecond fixing holes 68, and a plurality of third fixing holes 69. Thefirst fixing holes 67 are corresponding to and engaging with the firstprotrusions 353 of the partition plate 35 respectively, the secondfixing holes 68 are corresponding to and engaging with the secondprotrusion 354 of the partition plate 35 respectively, and the thirdfixing holes 69 are corresponding to and engaging with the hooks 341 ofthe baffles 34 respectively. Consequently, the mid-plane circuit board 6can be fastened in the chassis 3 via the partition plate 35 and thebattles 34. Preferably, the mid-plane circuit board 6 is vertical to thebottom plate of the chassis 3.

In an embodiment, the mid-plane circuit board 6 has six first connectors63, six second connectors 64, six third connectors 65 and one fourthconnector 66. Each of the first connectors 63 has a first group of pinselectrically coupled with the power pins of a corresponding thirdconnector 65 by the trace patterns of the mid-plane circuit board 6.Consequently, the AC input power from the two AC power sources can betransferred to the corresponding power supply unit 4 via the firstconnector 63 and the third connector 65. Each of the first connector 63has a second group of pins electrically coupled with the power pins of acorresponding second connector 64 by the trace patterns of the mid-planecircuit board 6. Consequently, the battery backup unit 5 can dischargeDC voltage to the corresponding power supply unit 4 and/or the powersupply units 4 can charge the DC voltage to the battery backup unit 5via the first connector 63 and the second connector 64. Each of thefirst connector 63 has a third group of pins coupled with the signalpins of the corresponding second connector 64 and the signal pins of thefourth connector 66 via trace patterns of the mid-plane circuit board 6.Consequently, the signal communications among the power supply units 4,the battery backup units 5 and the power shelf controller 9 can beperformed via the first connectors 63, the second connectors 64 and thefourth connector 66.

FIG. 7A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the bus barassembly of the power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A, FIG. 7B is anexplored view showing the bus bar assembly of FIG. 7A, FIG. 7C is aschematic perspective view illustrating an example of the clip-typepower connector of the bus bar assembly of FIG. 7A, FIG. 7D is aschematic perspective view illustrating the clip-type power connector ofFIG. 7C at another viewing angle, FIG. 7E is a schematic view showingthe bus bar assembly fastened within the chassis, and FIG. 7F is aschematic view showing the connections among the power supply units, thebus bar assembly and the rack bus bar. As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D,7E and 7F, the bus bar assembly 7 includes a first linking bus bar 71and a second linking bus bar 72. The first linking bus bar 71 and thesecond linking bus bar 72 are insulated with each other by an insulationmember 73. The first linking bus bar 71 includes a first main bar 711, aplurality of first bending parts 712 and a first output part 713. Thefirst bending parts 712 are connected with a first edge of the firstmain bar 711, and the first output part 713 is connected with a secondedge of the first main bar 711, where the first edge is opposite to thesecond edge. The first bending parts 712 are arranged in a line,separated apart with each other at a specific interval and vertical tothe first main bar 711. The second linking bus bar 72 includes a secondmain bar 721, a plurality of second bending parts 722 and a secondoutput part 723. The second bending parts 722 are connected with a firstedge of the second main bar 721, and the second output part 723 isconnected with a second edge of the second main bar 721, where the firstedge is opposite to the second edge. The second bending parts 722 arearranged in a line, separated apart with each other at a specificinterval and vertical to the second main bar 721.

The first main bar 711 is disposed over the second main bar 721 andinsulated with each other by the insulation member 73. The insulationmember 73 is for example but not limited to an insulation gasket. Thefirst bending parts 712 and the second bending parts 722 are staggeredand arranged at the same plane. Namely, a first bending part 712 isdisposed between any two neighboring second bending parts 722, and asecond bending part 722 is disposed between any two neighboring firstbending parts 712. The first output part 713 is vertical to the firstmain bar 711, and the second output part 723 is vertical to the secondmain bar 721. The first output part 713 and the second output part 723are separated apart with each other at a specific interval and form agap 74 therebetween. The gap 74 of the bus bar assembly 7 is configuredto clip the rack bus bar 11 of the server rack 1. Namely, two verticalbus members of the rack bus bar 11 is in contact with the first outputpart 713 and the second output part 723 of the bus bar assembly 7respectively.

A plurality of clip-type power connectors 75 are mounted on and incontact with the first bending parts 712 and the second bending parts722 respectively and correspondingly. The clip-type power connectors 75are arranged on the same plane and aligned and mating with the poweroutput electrodes of the power supply units 4 respectively andcorrespondingly. In an embodiment, each of the clip-type powerconnectors 75 includes an insulation body 751, a first conducting clip752 and a second conducting clip 753. The insulation body 751 includes afirst end opening 754, a second end opening 755 and a third end opening756. The first end opening 754, the second end opening 755 and the thirdend opening 756 are in communication with each other. The first endopening 754 is located at the top side of the insulation body 751, andthe second end opening 755 and the third end opening 756 are located atthe bottom side of the insulation body 751. The first conducting clip752 and the second conducting clip 753 are disposed within theinsulation body 751. One terminal of the first conducting clip 752 andone terminal of the second conducting clip 753 are disposed within theinsulation body 751 and are close to the first end opening 754. Theother terminal of the first conducting clip 752 is extending outwardlyfrom the second end opening 755 and bent. The other terminal of thesecond conducting clip 753 is extending outwardly from the third endopening 756 and bent. The bending parts of the first conducting clip 752and the second conducting clip 753 are respectively extending toward theopposite direction. The bending parts of the first conducting clip 752and the second conducting clip 753 of each clip-type power connector 75can be fastened to and connected with the first bending part 712 of thefirst linking bus bar 71 or the second bending part 722 of the secondlinking bus bar 72.

Each of the power supply units 4 has a first power output electrode 42and a second power output electrode 43 (see FIG. 5). The first poweroutput electrode 42 is clipped by and in contact with a correspondingclip-type power connector 75 of the corresponding first bending part712, and the second power output electrode 43 is clipped by and incontact with a corresponding clip-type power connector 75 of thecorresponding second bending part 722. The clip-type power connector issecurely mounted on and electrically connected with the correspondingfirst bending part 712, or is securely mounted on and electricallyconnected with the corresponding second bending part 722. Consequently,the DC output power outputted by the power supply unit 4 via the firstpower output electrode 42 and the second power output electrode 43 canbe transferred to the rack bus bar 11 through the first output part 713of the first linking bus bar 71 and second output part 723 of the secondlinking bus bar 72. In an embodiment, the first output part 713 of thefirst linking bus bar 71 further includes a plurality of first holes714, and the second output part 723 of the second linking bus bar 72further includes a plurality of second holes 724. The first holes 714are corresponding to the second holes 724 respectively. As shown in FIG.7F, the first holes 714 and the second holes 724 are configured to allowthe rack bus bar 11 of the server rack 1 to be securely mounted in thegap 74 between the first output part 713 and the second output part 723.The first hole 714 and the second hole 724 are for example but notlimited to the screw holes for screwing.

In an embodiment, the first linking bus bar 71 has six first bendingparts 712 and six clip-type power connectors 75 corresponding to andaligned with the six first power output electrodes 42 of the six powersupply units 4 respectively. The second linking bus bar 72 has sixsecond bending parts 722 and six clip-type power connectors 75corresponding to and aligned with the six second power output electrodes43 of the six power supply units 4 respectively. Preferably but notexclusively, the first linking bus bar 71 and the second linking bus bar72 are copper plates. In an embodiment, the second linking bus bar 72 isgrounded. In an embodiment, the bus bar assembly 7 is fastened withinthe chassis 3 via the first bracket 36, but it is not limited thereto.In an embodiment, the clip-type power connector 75 is floating andmounted on the first bending part 712 or the second bending part 722.Consequently, the power output electrodes (42, 43) of the power supplyunits 4 can be blind inserted into the clip-type power connectors 75 ofthe bus bar assembly 7.

Please refer to FIG. 7E. In this embodiment, two AC input powerconnectors 8 are fastened on the bottom plate of the chassis 3 and closeto an edge of the bottom plate. The two AC input power connectors 8include a first AC input power connector 8 a and a second AC input powerconnector 8 b. The first AC input power connector 8 a is electricallyconnected with a three phase AC power source, and the second AC inputpower connector 8 b is electrically connected with a single phase ACpower source, but they are not limited thereto. The two AC input powerconnectors 8 include a plurality of pins respectively. The pins can befor example but not limited to seven pins, six of them are configured aspower pins, and the other one is configured as a ground pin. Each of theAC input power connectors 8 are electrically connected with each one ofthe third connectors 65 via plural power cable 81. Namely, each of thesix third connectors 65 is electrically connected with the first ACinput power connector 8 a via power cables 81 and electrically connectedwith the second AC input power 8 b via the power cables 81.Consequently, the AC input power from the two AC power sources can betransferred to the power supply units 4 via the AC input powerconnectors 8, the third connectors 65 and the first connectors 63, andswitch between the two AC power sources. In an embodiment, the two ACinput power connectors 8 are electrically connected with two three phaseAC power sources respectively, or are electrically connected with thesingle phase AC power sources respectively, but not exclusively.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical and mechanicalconnections among the power supply unit, the battery backup unit, themid-plane circuit board and the bus bar assembly. As shown in FIG. 8,the power output electrode 42 of the power supply unit 4 is insertedinto and connected with the clip-type power connector 75 of the bus barassembly 7. The first connection interface 41 of the power supply unit 4is connected with the first connector 63 of the mid-plane circuit board6. The second connection interface 51 of the battery backup unit 5 isconnected with the second connector 64 of the mid-plane circuit board 6.The AC input power connectors 8 are electrically connected with the twoAC power sources via external power cables (not shown), and each of theAC input power connectors 8 is electrically connected with each one ofthe third connector 65 of the mid-plane circuit board 6. Consequently,the electrical and mechanical connecting structures among the powersupply units 4, the battery backup units 5, the power shelf controller 9and the two AC power sources are simplified via the mid-plane circuitboard 6. In addition, the bus bar assembly 7 is employed in the powerdistribution shelf 2 to transfer the DC output power from the powersupply units 4 to the rack bus bar 11. Consequently, the purposes offurther miniaturization of the power distribution shelf 2 andimprovement in energy efficiency are achieved. Moreover, the cost isreduced and the reliability is enhanced.

In this embodiment, the power distribution shelf 2 receives the AC inputpower from two AC power sources. In addition, each power supply unit 4has an integrated automatic transfer switch capable of switching the ACinput power from the two AC power sources according to the status. Eachpower supply unit 4 has a dedicated battery backup unit 5 that canprovide backup power to the server within the rack server 1 during theAC input power from the two AC power sources is outage. Moreover, eachpair of the power supply unit 4 and the battery backup unit 5 canperform current sharing functions between each other, and the powersupply unit 4 has a charging/discharging circuit, so that the powersupply unit 4 can charge the battery backup unit 5 and the batterybackup unit 5 can discharge to the power supply unit 4. Furthermore, thepower distribution shelf 2 can report the status of individual pair ofthe power supply unit 4 and the battery backup unit 5 over for examplebut not limited to PMbus (Power Management Bus) when the AC input powerdrops or is failure. The power shelf controller 9 can communicate withthe power supply units 4 and the battery backup units 5 and monitor andcontrol the operations of the individual pair of the power supply unit 4and the battery backup unit 5.

FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the relationshipsbetween the output parts of the bus bar assembly and the rear plate ofthe chassis, and FIG. 9B is a schematic view showing the location of theoutput parts located at the rear plate of the chassis. As shown in FIGS.9A and 9B, the chassis 3 includes the rear plate 39 having threeopenings 301. The first output part 713 and the second output part 723of the bus bar assembly 7 are extending outwardly from a middle one ofthe three openings 301. Namely, the first output part 713 and the secondoutput part 723 of the bus bar assembly 7 are protruded out from therear plate 39 of the chassis 3.

The structure of the bus bar assembly 7 is not limited to thatillustrated in above-mentioned embodiments. Various examples of the busbar assembly 7 are described as follows, but the structure of the busbar assembly 7 is not limited thereto. FIGS. 10A, 11A and 12A areschematic perspective views illustrating the relationships between therear plate of the chassis and the output parts of various examples ofthe bus bar assembly, and FIGS. 10B, 11B and 12B are schematic viewsrespectively showing the location of the output parts of FIGS. 10A, 11Aand 12A located at the rear plate of the chassis. The component partsand elements corresponding to those of FIGS. 9A and 9B are designated byidentical numeral references, and detailed descriptions thereof areomitted. In an embodiment, the first output part 713 and the secondoutput part 723 of the bus bar assembly 7 are extending outwardly fromthe other one of the three openings 301. For example shown in FIGS. 10Aand 10B, the first output part 713 and the second output part 723 of thebus bar assembly 7 a are extending outwardly from the opening 301furthest from the second bracket 37. Alternatively, for example shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, the first output part 713 and the second output part723 of the bus bar assembly 7 b are extending outwardly from the opening301 close to the second bracket 37. In an embodiment, the bus barassembly 7 includes two pairs of the first output parts 713 and thesecond output parts 723, and the two pairs of the first output parts 713and the second output parts 723 are extending outwardly from any two ofthe three openings 301. For example shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, one pairof the first output part 713 and the second output part 723 of the busbar assembly 7 c are extending outwardly from the opening 301 furthestfrom the second bracket 37, and the other pair of the first output part713 and the second output part 723 of the bus bar assembly 7 c areextending outwardly from the opening 301 close to the second bracket 37.

Please refer to FIG. 12A again. In this embodiment, the bus bar assembly7 c includes two first output parts 713 and two second output parts 723.The two first output parts 713 are disposed corresponding to the secondoutput parts 723 respectively. The two first output parts 713 and thetwo second output parts 723 compose two pairs of the first output parts713 and the second output parts 723. The structure of any pair of thefirst output part 713 and the second output part 723 is similar to thatshown in above-mentioned embodiments, and is not redundantly describedherein.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another example ofthe power distribution shelf of FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 10, in anembodiment, the chassis 3 further includes a first protection bracket302 and two second protection brackets 303. The first protection bracket302 can be fastened on the rear plate 39 and cover the first output part713 and the second output part 723. Consequently, the connectionsbetween the rack bus bar 11 and the first output part 713 and the secondoutput part 723 of the bus bar assembly 7 can be protected. The twosecond protection brackets 303 can be fastened on the rear plate 39 andaligned with the two AC input power connectors 8 respectively andcorrespondingly. When the AC input power connector 8 is plugged with acorresponding external AC power cable (not shown), the external AC powercable can be securely and the external AC power cable can't be drawnout. Consequently, the AC input power connectors 8 and the external ACpower cables are protected.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 8, the second connectioninterfaces 51 of the battery backup units 5 are floated. Consequently,the second connection interfaces 51 of the battery backup units 5 can beblind inserted in the second connectors 64 of the mid-plane circuitboard 6 to ensure the connections between the battery backup units 5 andthe mid-plane circuit board 6.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 8, the rear plates of thepower supply units 4 are omitted. After the first connection interfaces41 of the power supply units 4 are connected with the first connectors63 of the mid-plane circuit board 6 respectively, the cooling airflowprovided by the fans (not shown) within the power supply units 4 can beintroduced to the bus bar assembly 7 directly. Consequently, the heatcan be transferred to the surrounding, and the heat-dissipation effectis enhanced without adding any fan within the chassis 3.

From the above descriptions, the present disclosure provides a multipleinput power distribution shelf and a bus bar assembly thereof. Theinventive power distribution shelf allows the hot-swappable power supplyunits and the hot-swappable battery backup units to be installed in asingle chassis and allows the power supply units to connect with two ACpower sources and switch between the two AC power sources according tothe status. Consequently, it is labor-saving, time-saving andcost-saving to install and maintain the power supply units and thebattery backup units, and the power distribution shelf can providerequired DC output power to the server rack continuously. In addition,the inventive multiple input power distribution shelf and a bus barassembly thereof have high power distribution efficiency and excellentheat-dissipation efficiency. The electrical and mechanical connectingstructures among the power supply units, the battery backup units, thepower shelf controller and the multiple AC power sources are simplifiedvia a mid-plane circuit board. In addition, a bus bar assembly isemployed in the power distribution shelf to transfer the DC output powerfrom the power supply units to the rack bus bar. Consequently, thepurposes of further miniaturization of the power distribution shelf andimprovement in energy efficiency are achieved. Moreover, the cost isreduced and the reliability is enhanced.

While the disclosure has been described in terms of what is presentlyconsidered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is tobe understood that the disclosure needs not be limited to the disclosedembodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multiple input power distribution shelfinstalled in a server rack and selectively receiving an AC input powerfrom plural AC power sources electrically connected therewith, themultiple input power distribution shelf converting the AC input powerinto a DC output power and providing the DC output power to a rack busbar of the server rack, the multiple input power distribution shelfcomprising: a chassis; plural AC input power connectors mounted in thechassis and configured to electrically connect with the plural AC powersources and receive the AC input power; plural power supply unitsdetachably mounted in the chassis, wherein each of the plural powersupply units has an integrated automatic transfer switch capable ofswitching the AC input power from the plural AC power sources; pluralbattery backup units detachably mounted in the chassis and electricallyconnected with the plural power supply units respectively; a mid-planecircuit board electrically connected with the plural AC input powerconnectors, the plural power supply units and the plural battery backupunits; a bus bar assembly mounted in the chassis and configured toconnect with the plural power supply units and the rack bus bar of theserver rack, wherein the power outputted by the plural power supplyunits is transferred to the rack bus bar through the bus bar assembly;and a power shelf controller mounted in the chassis and electricallyconnected with the mid-plane circuit board, wherein the power shelfcontroller communicates with the plural power supply units and pluralbattery backup units; wherein each of the plural power supply unitscomprises a first connection interface, each of the plural batterybackup units comprises a second connection interface, the power shelfcontroller comprises a third connection interface, and the mid-planecircuit board comprises: a first surface; a second surface opposite tofirst surface, plural first connectors mounted on the first surface andaligned and mating with the plural first connection interface of theplural power supply units; plural second connectors mounted on the firstsurface and aligned and mating with the plural second connectioninterfaces of the plural battery backup units; plural third connectorsmounted on the second surface, wherein each of the plural thirdconnectors is electrically connected with the plural AC input powerconnectors respectively via plural power cables; and a fourth connectormounted on the second surface and configured to electrically connectedwith the third connection interface of the power shelf controller. 2.The multiple input power distribution shelf according to claim whereineach of the plural first connectors comprises: a first group of pinselectrically coupled with plural power pins of the corresponding thirdconnector via plural trace patterns of the mid-plane circuit board; asecond group of pins electrically coupled with plural power pins of thecorresponding second connector via plural trace patterns of themid-plane circuit board; and a third group of pins electrically coupledwith plural signal pins of the corresponding second connector and pluralsignal pins of the fourth connector via plural trace patterns of themid-plane circuit board.
 3. The multiple input power distribution shelfaccording to claim 1, wherein the chassis comprises a bracket mounted ona bottom plate of the chassis and defining a receiving space, and thereceiving space is configured to accommodate the power shelf controller.4. The multiple input power distribution shelf installed in a serverrack and selectively receiving an AC input power from plural AC powersources electrically connected therewith, the multiple input powerdistribution shelf converting the AC input power into a DC output powerand providing the DC output power to a rack bus bar of the server rack,the multiple input power distribution shelf comprising: a chassis;plural AC input power connectors mounted in the chassis and configuredto electrically connect with the plural AC power sources and receive theAC input power; plural power supply units detachably mounted in thechassis, where each of the plural power supply units has an integratedautomatic transfer switch capable of switching the AC input power fromthe plural AC power sources; plural battery backup units detachablymounted in the chassis and electrically connected with the plural powersupply units respectively; a mid-plane circuit board electricallyconnected with the plural AC input power connectors, the plural powersupply units and the plural battery backup units; and a bus bar assemblymounted in the chassis and configured to connect with the plural powersupply units and the rack bus bar of the server rack, wherein the poweroutputted by the plural power supply units is transferred to the rackbus bar through the bus bar assembly; wherein the chassis comprises anaccommodation space having a first compartment and a second compartment,the first compartment and the second compartment are separated by aplate, the first compartment comprises plural first slots, the secondcompartment comprises plural second slots, the plural first slots andthe plural second slots are defined by plural baffles within the firstcompartment and the second compartment respectively, the plural powersupply units are detachably installed into the first slots respectively,and the plural battery backup units are detachably installed into thesecond slots respectively: wherein the chassis further comprises apartition plate, the partition plate is disposed in the accommodationspace and at least partially covering an opening of the firstcompartment and an opening of the second compartment, the partitionplate comprises plural first through holes and plural second throughholes, the plural first through holes are corresponding to the pluralfirst slots, the plural second through holes are corresponding to theplural second slots, wherein the partition plate comprises plural firstprotrusions and plural second protrusions, each of the plural bafflescomprises a hook, the mid-plane circuit board comprises plural firstfixing holes, plural second fixing holes and plural third fixing holes,the plural first fixing holes are corresponding to and engaging with thefirst protrusions respectively, the plural second fixing holes arecorresponding to and engaging with the second protrusions respectively,and the plural third fixing holes are corresponding to and engaging withthe plural hooks respectively.
 5. The multiple input power distributionshelf according to claim 1, wherein the chassis comprises a bracketconnected to two opposite sidewalls of the chassis, the bracket isconfigured to support the bus bar assembly, wherein the chassis furthercomprises at least one supporting pillar, one terminal of the supportingpillar is connected to the bracket, the other terminal of the supportingpillar is connected to a bottom plate of the chassis, and the supportingpillar is configured to support the bracket.
 6. The multiple input powerdistribution shelf according to claim 1, wherein the battery backup unitdischarges stored electric energy to the corresponding power supplyunit, and the battery backup unit is charged by the corresponding powersupply unit.
 7. A multiple input power distribution shelf installed in aserver rack and selectively receiving an AC input power from plural ACpower sources electrically connected therewith, the multiple input powerdistribution shelf converting the AC input power into a DC output powerand providing the DC output power to a rack bus bar of the server rack,the multiple input power distribution shelf comprising: a chassis;plural AC input power connectors mounted in the chassis and configuredto electrically connect with the plural AC power sources and receive theAC input power; plural power supply units detachably mounted in thechassis, wherein each of the plural power supply units has an integratedautomatic transfer switch capable of switching the AC input power fromthe plural AC power sources; plural battery backup units detachablymounted in the chassis and electrically connected with the plural powersupply units respectively; a mid-plane circuit board electricallyconnected with the plural AC input power connectors, the plural powersupply units and the plural battery backup units; a bus bar assemblymounted in the chassis and configured to connect with the plural powersupply units and the rack bus bar of the server rack, wherein the poweroutputted by the plural power supply units is transferred to the rackbus bar through the bus bar assembly; and wherein the bus bar assemblycomprises: a first linking bus bar comprising a first main bar, pluralfirst bending parts and at least one first output part, wherein thefirst bending part and the at least one first output part are connectedto two opposite sides of the first main bar respectively, and the pluralfirst bending parts are separated apart from each other at a specificinterval; a second linking bus bar corresponding to the first linkingbus bar and comprising a second main bar, plural second bending partsand at least one second output part, wherein the second bending part andthe at least one second output part are connected to two opposite sidesof the second main bar respectively, and the plural second bending partsare separated apart from each other at a specific interval; aninsulation member disposed between the first main bar and the secondmain bar, wherein the first main bar and the second main bar areinsulated from each other by the insulation member; and plural clip-typepower connectors mounted on the plural first bending parts and theplural second bending parts, wherein the plural clip-type powerconnectors are configured to electrically connect with the plural powersupply units; wherein the first output part and the second output partare electrically connected with the rack bus bar of the server rack. 8.The multiple input power distribution shelf according to claim 7,wherein the rack bus bar comprises two bus members, the first outputpart of the first linking bus bar and the second output part of thesecond linking bus bar are connected with the two bus membersrespectively.
 9. The multiple input power distribution shelf accordingto claim 7, wherein each of the plural power supply units comprises afirst power output electrode and a second power output electrode, thefirst power output electrode is clipped by and in contact with thecorresponding clip-type power connector mounted on the first bendingpart, and the second power output electrode is clipped by and in contactwith the corresponding clip-type power connector mounted on the secondbending part.
 10. The multiple input power distribution shelf accordingto claim 7, wherein the first output part of the first linking bus barcomprises plural first holes, the second output part of the secondlinking bus bar comprises plural second holes corresponding to the firstholes respectively, and the plural first holes and the plural secondholes are configured for the rack bus bar being securely mounted in agap between the first output part and the second output part.
 11. Themultiple input power distribution shelf according to claim 7, whereinthe chassis includes a rear plate having three openings, and the pluralAC input power connectors are at least partially protruded out from therear plate.
 12. The multiple input power distribution shelf according toclaim 11, wherein the first output part and the second output part ofthe bus bar assembly extend outwardly from any one of the three openingsand is protruded out from the rear plate.
 13. The multiple input powerdistribution shelf according to claim 12, wherein the chassis furthercomprises a first protection bracket fastened on the rear plate, and thefirst protection bracket is configured to cover the first output partand the second output part.
 14. The multiple input power distributionshelf according to claim 11, wherein the chassis further comprisesplural second protection brackets securely mounted on the rear plate andaligned with the plural AC input power connectors respectively andcorrespondingly.
 15. The multiple input power distribution shelfaccording to claim 11, wherein the bus bar assembly comprises two pairsof the first output parts and the second output parts, and the two pairsof the first output parts and the second output parts extend outwardlyfrom any two of the three openings and are protruded out from the rearplate.
 16. The multiple input power distribution shelf according toclaim 1, wherein the plural AC input power connectors comprise a firstAC input power connector and a second AC input power connector, thefirst AC input power connector is configured to receive a three phase ACpower source, and the second AC input power connector is configured toreceiver a single phase AC power source.
 17. The multiple input powerdistribution shelf according to claim 4, wherein the chassis comprises abracket connected to two opposite sidewalls of the chassis, the bracketis configured to support the bus bar assembly, wherein the chassisfurther comprises at least one supporting pillar, one terminal of thesupporting pillar is connected to the bracket, the other terminal of thesupporting pillar is connected to a bottom plate of the chassis, and thesupporting pillar is configured to support the bracket.
 18. The multipleinput power distribution shelf according to claim 4, wherein the batterybackup unit discharges stored electric energy to the corresponding powersupply unit, and the battery backup unit is charged by the correspondingpower supply unit.
 19. The multiple input power distribution shelfaccording to claim 4, wherein the plural AC input power connectorscomprise a first AC input power connector and a second AC input powerconnector, the first AC input power connector is configured to receive athree phase AC power source, and the second AC input power connector isconfigured to receiver a single phase AC power source.
 20. The multipleinput power distribution shelf according to claim 7, wherein the chassiscomprises a bracket connected to two opposite sidewalls of the chassis,the bracket is configured to support the bus bar assembly, wherein thechassis further comprises at least one supporting pillar, one terminalof the supporting pillar is connected to the bracket, the other terminalof the supporting pillar is connected to a bottom plate of the chassis,and the supporting pillar is configured to support the bracket.
 21. Themultiple input power distribution shelf according to claim 7, whereinthe battery backup unit discharges stored electric energy to thecorresponding power supply unit, and the battery backup unit is chargedby the corresponding power supply unit.
 22. The multiple input powerdistribution shelf according to claim 7, wherein the plural AC inputpower connectors comprise a first AC input power connector and a secondAC input power connector, the first AC input power connector isconfigured to receive a three phase AC power source, and the second ACinput power connector is configured to receiver a single phase AC powersource.